October 16, 2012Warriors Host Food & Fund Drive At Alameda County Food BankRichard Jefferson and Carl Landry met fans and signed autographs for those who made donations.

The Warriors marched into Alameda County Community Food Bank on Friday, October 12 to help prepare residents of Alameda County for the busy fall and winter months.

Golden State forwards Richard Jefferson and Carl Landry, along with 20 front office staff, toured their local community’s food bank to learn how the organization is able to serve 49,000 Alameda County residents on a weekly basis.

“It’s wonderful to host the Warriors today because it engages our community and builds awareness to the desperate needs of over a quarter million residents in Alameda county,” said food bank Volunteer Coordinator Sheila Burks.

With 83% of residents needing fast food and gas station groceries to survive, the Alameda County Community Food Bank seeks to provide nourishing and easy to prepare meals to the 1 out of 6 county residents that rely on emergency food packs and supplemental provisions every day.

“To hear that 1 out of 6 kids in Alameda County is fed from [this food bank], and without this place they will go hungry, it means we need this food bank to support our future,” said first-year Warrior Carl Landry.

After the tour, the Warriors staff was tasked with filling 2 pound bags with anasazi beans to be distributed to families in need during the winter months. Jefferson, Landry and the Warriors Helping Hands volunteers, which included members from the Warrior Girls, were then tasked with separating and bagging pallets of green tomatoes.

“It’s important for the Warriors Helping Hands program to be here helping in the community because we are in the season of giving, and we know that the fall and winter months are when some families struggle and we can help those who need it,” claimed Warrior Girl Anabelle.

The Warriors’ contribution to the food bank helps provide sustenance to 275 Alameda county member agencies, consisting of schools, soup kitchens, food pantries and various community programs.

“When someone like the Warriors come to our food bank, it’s the difference between hope and choice, because their presence puts hope back on the table for many people and families who know that people care about you and are here to help. The team’s visit inspires [our staff] and it inspires the broader community through their service,” said Burks.

After their volunteer efforts, Jefferson and Landry hosted a Food & Fund Drive, meeting fans and signing autographs for those who made a donation of $19, representing the number of days until the team’s opening night in Phoenix. 12-year NBA veteran Richard Jefferson was happy to take this time to contribute to the food bank and was amazed by the amount of local residents who benefit from it.

“What stood out for me from today was that you don’t need a natural disaster to help others. There are people in your local area that need to be helped every single day and that you can reach out to.”

Alameda County Community Food Bank Executive Director Suzan Bateson was ecstatic that the Warriors could meet other food bank volunteers and could contribute to making the organization’s vision of not allowing a county resident to go hungry this fall and winter a reality.

“When a team like the Warriors supports us with their time and our staff is able to kick back and laugh and have a great time with the players, it’s a win-win for Alameda County and our food bank.”